Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 7/25/2021
Doctor's Notes on Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)
Heat stroke is a serious emergency medical condition where the body's core temperature rises above 104 F or 40 C in adults, and 105 F or 40.5 C in children after being exposed to high temperatures in the environment. It is accompanied by neurologic symptoms and is caused by a failure of failure of the body's cooling mechanisms (such as sweating) when exposed to high heat.
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion usually occur before the onset of heat stroke. Symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion include muscle cramps followed by exhaustion and profuse sweating. As these conditions progress, symptoms include
- rapid pulse,
- rapid breathing,
- dizziness, and
- headache.
- Once the body temperature reaches 104 F or 40 C or 105 F and 40.5 C in children, heat stroke occurs and the body stops sweating,
- the skin is hot and dry and sometimes reddish colored.
Stroke-like symptoms including
- confusion,
- hallucinations,
- seizures,
- loss of consciousness,
- organ damage,
- coma, and
- death can occur in heat stroke if not treated promptly.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If there are signs or symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 or get the person to a hospital’s emergency department immediately.
What is the treatment for heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent medical care. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke, move them to a cool environment and try to cool the body by removing clothes or misting with water while you summon emergency care.
Medical professionals treating heat stroke will try aggressive measures to cool the body including immersion in cold water, ice packs, cooling blankets, and evaporation cooling methods. Medications may be given to reduce shivering during this process.
Other treatments may include support for breathing and circulation as needed.
Trauma and First Aid : Training and Supplies Quiz
QuestionEmotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience.
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Dehydration in Adults
Dehydration occurs when the loss of body fluids (mostly water), exceeds the amount that is taken in. Causes of dehydration include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, diseases (diabetes), impaired ability to drink, lack of access to safe drinking water, and injuries to the skin. Common symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, dry skin, headache, low urine output, tiredness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and increased thirst. Treatment of dehydration depends upon the severity of the condition. -
Dehydration in Children
Dehydration in children can result from not drinking enough liquids, vomiting, diarrhea, or combination of these conditions. Causes of dehydration in children include viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, diabetes, and increased sweating, and others. Symptoms include sunken eyes, decrease in urination, no tears when crying, dry mouth, lethargy, and irritability. Treatment at home includes proper fluid replacement. Some cases of dehydration are so severe they may require hospitalization. -
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are brief, painful muscle cramps that occur can occur when a person is working or exercising in a hot environment. Heat cramp signs and symptoms include involuntary muscle spasms of the large muscles of the body with profuse sweating, the cramping muscles are those that usually have been stressed. The cause of heat cramps is not well known, however, those at risk are infants and children, the elderly, those without proper air conditioning in hot environments, alcohol use, and certain medications. Heat cramps generally do not require medical attention, however, if heat exhaustion or heat stroke is suspected, seek medical care immediately. -
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a condition in which a person's body overheats due to fatigue, exercising or working in a hot environment, or dehydration. They elderly and young children under the age of 5 are at a greater risk for developing heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion in an adults and children include clammy skin, thirst, weak and rapid pulse, vomiting or nausea, headache, sweating heavily, muscle cramps, and weakness. Treatment is to place the affected person in a cool place, try to hydrate the individual, and cool their body with a cool mist of water, or cool (not cold) bath. Heat exhaustion can be prevented if precautions are taken. All cases of heat exhaustion should be evaluated by a medical professional. -
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are heat-related illnesses. Other heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat rash. Heat stroke is the most severe form of these conditions, and requires immediate medical treatment by calling 911. Heat exhaustion usually occurs when you play or work in a hot, humid environment and you lose fluids through sweat. This causes the body to overheat and become dehydrated. In heat exhaustion, the body temperature may be high, but not above 104 F (40 C), and medical treatment may be necessary. In contrast, heat stroke (also called heatstroke, sunstroke, or sun stroke) is a life-threatening medical emergency. It usually develops from heat exhaustion, and the internal body temperature rises to the point at which brain damage or damage to other internal organs may result (internal body temperature may reach 105 F or greater [40.5 C or greater). Common symptoms and warning signs of these two heat-related illnesses are nausea, skin flushing, headache, dizziness, weakness, thirst, muscle cramps, and rapid heart rate. Heat exhaustion can be treated with treating dehydration at home or through IV at the doctor's office, Urgent Care, or Emergency Department. Heat stroke is a condition that needs to be treated right away. If you think someone you know is suffering from heat stroke call 911 immediately and get medical help. If medical treatment isn't started urgently, the person may die. -
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which there is damage to the skeletal muscle or muscles of the body. Common causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, burns, prolonged immobilization, excessive exercise, medications, drug abuse, other diseases, snake bites, and spider bites. The three main symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are muscle aches, muscle weakness, and darkened urine. Treatment for rhabdomyolysis needs to be prompt as rhabdomyolysis can be a life-threatening condition. -
Seizures Emergencies
Seizures refer to uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Symptoms of seizures range from mild to severe and can lead to death. A number of factors can lead to seizures, including brain tumor, injury, and fever. Emergency treatment for seizures can include antiseizure medications to help prevent seizures emergencies. -
Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)
Sunburn is a burn on the skin caused by UV radiation. Mild sunburn symptoms include skin redness and pain. Severe cases of sunburn (sun poisoning) are complicated by skin burning and blistering, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and possibly infection. A sun rash is caused by a condition referred to as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). Home remedies for sunburn include over-the-counter pain medicine, aloe vera gels and lotions, and cool tepid baths. Severe sunburn may need medical treatment. Prevention of sunburn include staying out of the sun during the peak hours of the day, wearing sunscreen often and reapply often, and wear protective clothing shielding the exposed body from the sun. -
What Are Signs of Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is characterized by hyperventilation, confusion, cramps, headaches and other signs. Heat stroke (also called sun stroke) is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's cooling system stops working and the body’s core temperature increases to a point at which brain damage or damage to internal organs can occur (105° F [40.5° C] or greater).
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.